Risedronate and Headaches: What Users Say

• Ess...
• May 7, 2021

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "I took Actonel on Monday on a weekly dosage. I have been so sick for 3 days with stomach ache, headache, sore back, and vomited once. I will not continue. How long does it take to get better? I have been off work."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2021

Risedronate for Osteoporosis "I took 1 monthly dose of Actonel. By that afternoon, I was very tired, heavy in my body. The next day, I experienced a loss of appetite, diarrhea, and after 5 days, severe inflammation and extreme pain all over my body. Then, I suffered from 3 months of fatigue, muscle weakness, pins and needles in my face and arms, blurry vision, and loss of voice volume. After 12 months, my strength is slowly returning, but I still fatigue easily and regularly experience pins and needles in my face. Medications I used to be able to take now trigger headaches, fatigue, and pins and needles in my face, hands, and arms. I would like to know how long these symptoms will last, but nobody knows. This drug should be taken off the market."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2021

For Osteoporosis "I took my very first weekly prescription yesterday as prescribed. At 2:00, I began feeling severe back and jaw pain. I could not move without excruciating pain. I could not walk alone. I developed a horrible headache and began shaking in a seizure-like manner, violently. I began vomiting and could not take a deep breath. I thought I was going to die. My husband was going to call an ambulance, but he found a Phenergan. I took it, and 20 minutes later, I fell asleep. The pain in my entire back, spine, and muscles is unbearable today. I have not been out of bed except for bathroom privileges, but I need assistance. If I am not better tomorrow, I will not be able to work. This was just horrible! The worst night of my life!!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Tried risedronate for the 2nd time a month ago - one 35 mg per week. Made my previous occasional dry eye so much worse and extremely sore. GP gave me anti-bacterial drops in case of infection, but no change. Have awful pain in both groins and headaches. Has anyone else had bad groin pain? I was diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine and right hip but cannot take these meds. I stopped this week and hope the pain level improves. Also, dreadful jaw pain. Going to try a natural way of diet and chair yoga, etc., to try to prevent things from getting worse. Fearful of fractures, etc., but better than feeling ill all day, every day. 71 years old and deserve a reasonable quality of life now!"

• Avo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Terrible stuff. I have been on chemotherapy before, and this pill is worse than that was. I experienced cold chills, feel feverish but no fevers, headache, an increase in fibromyalgia pains, lethargy, digestive pains - stomach and in the chest, can't talk properly and kicks my POTS in. I have to walk hunched over or I will get presyncope, can't function. Terrible, I hate it, and I'm only 40."

• DMN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I was prescribed 35 mg once weekly. First dose: extreme fatigue and nausea. Second dose: body pain, severe stomach pain, debilitating nausea, horrible headaches, and still in bed after 4 days. I would rather suffer a fracture than ever take this medication again. I’m 66 and in great physical condition, have not been able to do a single activity since starting this drug."

• KCT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Osteoporosis "Took Risedronate 35 mg x3 doses each Saturday. No GI issues taking the pill-took early with 8 oz of water, stood up straight or walked, no food 30”+. Expected symptoms of joint pain and some immobility due to pain. Had only occasional right hip discomfort before starting the medication. In the past, had a fracture of the right knee with surgery, ski accident 10 years ago, fracture of the left elbow years before from running and jumping with a dog, slipped on black ice. Healing normal. Side effects from this medication started before the third dose. Severe right hip/pelvic groin bone pain and numbness, needed a cane to walk. Saw MD, given exercises for hip-no pelvic fracture. Worked very well. Developed left shoulder severe nerve pain/numbness/immobile hand use. Then head/bone aches constant for over four days. Vomited once the second day with head pain, then dry heaves twice the next day after. Saw MD again. Cervical spine X-rays done. No fractures. Shows osteoporosis and degeneration. Now, one month after the first dose, doing osteoporosis exercises and walking daily. Taking calcium and vitamin D3 still."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Within an hour of taking the first dose, I began feeling like I had the flu. My muscles and joints became very achy, my head began aching, and I felt confused. Confused. I found that it was hard to think clearly. The next day was even worse."

• Coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

Risedronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "After 3 doses in 17 days, I am experiencing acute joint and muscle pain. Bloated and head achy also. I’m 66 and will stop taking this immediately. Horrible!"

• clo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2022

For Osteoporosis "This drug has bad side effects for me, bad aching in my joints and neck pain, headaches every day, and then by the 4th day the heartburn started. I felt ill on this medication."